In a diving context, what is the term for the unwanted build-up of gas in tissues?

The term for the unwanted build-up of gas in tissues, particularly in the context of diving, is known as inert gas narcosis. This phenomenon occurs when divers breathe gases at high pressures, leading to the dissolution of inert gases, such as nitrogen, into tissues. When this gas accumulates, it can affect a diver's neurological function, causing symptoms that may mimic intoxication, including disorientation and impaired judgment.

Understanding inert gas narcosis is crucial for divers because it highlights the need for careful depth management and the potential risks of using air or nitrox at significant depths. While the other options relate to different diving-related issues, they do not describe the context of gas accumulation in tissues. Barotrauma pertains more to pressure-related injuries, hyperoxia relates to the toxicity of high levels of oxygen, and thermal stress deals with temperature effects on divers, but none of them specifically address the issue of inert gas accumulation in tissues.